SBO24

[GeezerEntwistle]

My entry as a partial build for SBO24. ( sorry- I hit "post" before naming the build)

If this ends up being a decent bass, I plan to give it to my son as he is just starting out (11).

I had an old OLP Stingray literally rusting away and it seemed like this would be a great way to learn how to make a bass without having to worry about the neck (that will be hopefully the next build).

original bass:

I did jump the gun and sand the headstock before I read the rules, my apologies.

the plan:

That’s an ugly rendering but I was more concerned that it was accurate than pretty.

Original parts:
neck from OLP Stingray

new/bought:
These will be bought at a later date
SD Pbass pick-ups
SD Stingray pick-up
Hipshot bridge
All electronics

I think that’s it? I’ll add more to this as I buy/get the parts.

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

What I did today

cut the templates:

Neck fit is tight:

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Wood. I didn’t know the phrase to include, but will be sure to have a pick before I shape it:

That will be it until Monday

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

question- how tight do you want the neck pocket? it seems like right now is about as tight as it can get while still getting the neck in. I would have to force it in, but it would fit. Do I want it a little looser or is that what I want?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

question- how tight do you want the neck pocket? it seems like right now is about as tight as it can get while still getting the neck in. I would have to force it in, but it would fit. Do I want it a little looser or is that what I want?

It somewhat depends on what you’re using for finish. An oil finish that doesn’t build may work with where you’re at. Paint or a finish that builds will probably end up a little tight with a light press fit neck pocket.

 

[Gervais Cote]

question- how tight do you want the neck pocket? it seems like right now is about as tight as it can get while still getting the neck in. I would have to force it in, but it would fit. Do I want it a little looser or is that what I want?

Yes a little looser please !

Best for me is when I have a "slide fit" meaning I can put it in easily by hand without applying pressure. This probably means a 0.008" to 0.005" of free play.

The situation you want to avoid is to have the heel of the neck getting wider or the pocket of the body getting smaller due to humidity changes as this may crack the neck pocket.

Better be too loose than too tight !

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Thanks!

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Disaster struck

bearing was loose on routing bit and it jumped

Result:

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Next up is try #2 switching curly maple for ash:

Tomorrow will be new templates and trying again

 

[Reedt2000]

Ouch...

Where on the body is it? Any chance of deepening a contour and working around it?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I feel your pain. I’ve had that happen before.

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Ouch...

Where on the body is it? Any chance of deepening a contour and working around it?

It’s unfortunately too deep and in a bad spot. It’s disheartening but I guess mistakes/mishaps are expected on a first build. In the end confidence takes a hit and I’m out $25

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Trying again to get new body wood pic embedded. Im not 100% stoked for curly maple but my friend felt bad about handing me a faulty tool and is giving me the wood. He didn't have enough ash on hand. I appreciate that, it could be cool. Im a traditionalist though but hey, its good to try new things.

It was cool to take rough lumber and mill it to workable wood.

Am I making a mistake by using this wood?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

It’s definitely going to look nice with any finish on it. Should make a very nice top.

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

This is a pretty cool tool I used, it’s a router which you upload the pattern and it routes the pattern

 

[Evan38109]

Yeah, I've really been digging working with the Shaper Origin, too. I thought it was going to be a silly indulgence, but it's become a kind of Swiss Army Knife to me. Before it, I used to routinely find myself in situations where I'd need some doodad and I've have to run to the store or place an order and wait. Now, I find that I can usually sketch up some fixture or tool and make it with the Origin instead. It's funny, I've probably used it more for shop fixtures and such than for actual projects lately.

The wife also loves it for sign making and things like that. It opens up a world of fancy things like engraving and inlays that are absolutely possible but kinda hard or obnoxious when done conventionally.

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Still chugging along. Mistakes have been made. I ended up buying more ash, more my style. So technically this my 3rd body.

 

[JFlo]

Looking great! I love the p/mm combo.

 

[2groggy]

... Mistakes have been made. I ended up buying more ash, more my style. So technically this my 3rd body...

Can you share any cautionary tales?

 

[GeezerEntwistle]

Can you share any cautionary tales?

The first is that the bit on the shaper origin didn't match the radius of the heel of the neck pocket, so there is a 1/16th gap there. Because it was a "virtual jig" it seemed like it was doing what I wanted it to do. When I used the pattern it transferred the wrong radius. I can probably hide it with the pick guard, but I wanted it professional and flush and I didn't know any better to double check that the bit was the proper size, I just assumed it was. Im weighing sanding it out with a dremel to get the right radius or leaving it be and not compounding the the problem. Next time...

Secondly, this is on me, my measurement for the neck pocket was 3/8th too shallow for the length. I checked and double checked and not sure where the break down happened on that one. I can drill new holes into the neck to make it work and it will probably never be an issue, but I'll know.

Those are the two biggies. This is a me problem, but my enjoyment is directly linked to how successful I am and these mistakes are nagging me. Im also using someone else's shop on someone else's time, I wish I had my own tools.

this is neither here nor there, but I didn't realize the amount of sanding this was going to take lol. I should have used a softer wood!